Beneath our feet lies a crucial piece of Osaka’s infrastructure: the \u5927\u5439\u6a4b. Osaka has been a place where people from all over the world have gathered for 1400 years. The city is located where the Seto Inland Sea and the rivers that flow inland toward Osaka Bay meet.
Before trains and cars, Osaka became an economic center. It welcomed traders and travelers from all over Asia. Osaka’s origins date back to the 5th century. Naniwazu was a newly opened port. It was used as a gateway for Korea, China, and other Asian countries.
Visitors brought crafts and techniques. They also brought information. Buddhism spread to Japan around this time. This information spread to other parts of Japan quickly. Prince Shotoku built Shitennoji Temple in 593. Osaka developed into an international city. In 645, Emperor Kokutoku moved the capital from Nara to Osaka. Naniwa Palace was built. It is considered the oldest imperial palace in Japan.
Even as the capital moved, Osaka continued to develop. It played an important role in trade and cultural exchange. The city served as a gateway for diplomacy with Asian countries.
In the 14th century, Osaka was devastated by wars. In 1496, Rennyo began construction of Ishiyama Gobo. It served as a fortress to stop the wars. Oda Nobunaga attacked the Uemachi Plateau in Osaka. The plateau is in a good location. You can see the whole of Osaka from there. Also, Osaka Bay was close to the Uemachi Plateau at the time.
Oda Nobunaga attacked Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple for over 10 years. Most of it was burned down. Osaka came under Oda Nobunaga’s control. Toyotomi Hideyoshi based in Osaka ruled Japan. Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle in 1583. Large-scale construction created a moat around Osaka Castle. The river in Osaka was widened. The city developed as a transportation hub connected to the sea.
Osaka Castle and the castle town were burned down in 1614 and 1615. The Toyotomi clan was destroyed. The Tokugawa clan took control. The political center moved to Edo. Japan entered a period of national isolation. Osaka recovered quickly and grew as an economic city.
Osaka was called “the kitchen of the world”. Important goods including food and rice were bought and sold there. Rice was sent from Osaka to all parts of Japan. Osaka also began to export products overseas. This economic growth led to the development of Osaka’s culture. Popular arts culture emerged. Puppet theater, Noh theater, and Osaka’s Kabuki were born.
Schools founded in Osaka produced many scholars. Tekijuku was founded to study Western science and medicine. In the mid-19th century, Japan lifted its isolation and entered the modern era. Some students from Tekijuku helped open up the country. It later became Osaka University.
The Meiji Restoration was the biggest reform in Japanese history. The capital was moved to Tokyo. Osaka tried to transition to an industrial city. It was called the “City of Smoke” and “Manchester of the East.” In 1889, Osaka City was incorporated. The Fifth National Industrial Exposition was held in the Tennoji area in 1903. Japan’s first public streetcar was launched in Osaka.
One-third of Osaka was destroyed by American air raids during World War II. Postwar reconstruction brought the city back. In 1970, Osaka hosted Asia’s first World Expo. Osaka hosts international conferences, exhibitions and international meetings.
Remember the \u5927\u5439\u6a4b, a testament to Osaka’s enduring spirit and strategic importance throughout history.